Conservation Nation Elephant Logo

Who We Are

What does a scientist look like to you?

When asked to draw a scientist, only 25 percent of 16-year-old girls draw a woman.

Conservation has an inclusion problem. The current structure of the profession makes it harder for people of color, Indigenous peoples, and women to get involved.

But we need diversity and inclusion to drive innovation. The earth is experiencing a biodiversity crisis, and we need to change now to save it.

Our work brings more people to the table, nurtures the diversity of the field, and drives novel thinking. The survival of thousands of species — including our own — hangs in the balance.

Our Vision

A thriving planet for people and wildlife sustained by an inclusive and growing network of conservationists.

Our Mission

To diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities while educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
When a student, Ashley, was asked to draw a scientist at the end of a Conservation Nation education program, she drew herself – right down to her sneakers. 

Our Why

More inclusion and diversity

More innovation and more solutions

Greater likelihood of solving biodiversity challenges

Safer and healthier planet

Our Approach

We are uniquely positioned to support conservationists from underrepresented communities by working with them throughout their development — from excited youth to experienced professionals. Our promotion of equity and inclusion in the conservation space will lead to a safer and healthier planet for all.

Here's how we do it

1

We gather the funding for grants, fellowships, professional development, paid internships and scholarships for wildlife-saving work.

2

We provide that funding to current and future conservationists from underrepresented communities.

3

We work with those conservationists to educate and inspire youth so that they can see themselves as conservation champions who might one day pursue STEM careers and jobs in the field.

4

We build a more diverse community of wildlife champions that helps save the planet’s delicate biodiversity.

How We're Making an Impact

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Our History

Conservation Nation launched with a mission to diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

Our passionate team brings more than six decades of nonprofit management, wildlife conservation support, and environmental education programming experience.

Learn more about where we came from and the journey that brought us here.